Birmingham's Geordie boss Steve Bruce today turned his attention to the transfer market, with the summer window closing on Sunday.

Bruce, who brings his side to St James' Park next Saturday, has been chasing Leeds right-back Danny Mills, although he expects to lose out to Steve McClaren's Middlesbrough in the race for his signature.

Admitting his back line needs bolstering, he said: "I'm looking at our defence because we're a bit light there.

"We made an approach for Danny Mills because we let Michael Johnson go to Derby and two or three younger players left as well.

"Unfortunately it looks like Danny Mills has chosen Middlesbrough but we've got seven days left and will have a look."

However, Bruce is not planning any forays for extra strike power.

Geoff Horsfield and Stern John were up front yesterday as the talented Christophe Dugarry faces another three weeks on the sidelines with his knee injury.

Meanwhile, a furious Bruce accused referee Graham Barber of missing a "blatant, stonewall penalty" in the 0-0 draw at Southampton on Saturday.

With 19 minutes of this entertaining St Mary's contest remaining, David Dunn surged into the Saints' area and was sent tumbling after Graeme Le Saux's challenge.

Bruce said: "They got away with murder. It wasn't even a 50-50 call - it was a stonewall penalty and everyone in the ground knew it."